Patrick Rhone's Blog, page 12

Books I’ve Read 2013

Here is a list of the books that I read this year. I try to post this up once a year as a reminder for myself that, despite my feeling like I did not read enough, I actually read more than I thought. There might even be a few I have missed recording but this constitutes the bulk of it.

Last year, I just gave a simple list of the books I read. This year, I added a short review to each. It was also my goal to read more fiction than I normally do. I think I did well with that goal but know I could (and want to) do better in the coming year. More on that later.

This also does not include some items I felt deserved a list or two of their own. More on these later too.

So, without further delay…

Broken Blade (A Fallen Blade Novel): Kelly McCullough — First novel in a series that follows the exploits of Aral The Shadowjack (or Kingslayer). A fast paced mashup of fantasy and hard boiled detective noir. Great start, compelling story and characters, and leaves one wanting to jump right in to the next book.

The Icarus Deception: How High Will You Fly?: Seth Godin — This one fell flat for me. Not quite sure why. I think it is largely because I’m already at where this book wants to encourage the reader to be. That said, it is likely great for those who need it.

The Sketchnote Handbook Video Edition: the illustrated guide to visual note taking: Mike Rohde — The book I bugged Mike for years to write finally was released and it is better than I could have imagined. It makes the artform he pioneered accessible to every skill level to engage. So, so, good.

Designing Disney’s Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance: Karal Ann Marling — Fascinating. And confirmed many of my impressions about Disney World.

The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It: Kelly McGonigal Ph.D. — Simply great. Real, science based actionable information. This gives you all the tools you need to build better willpower. Also, some surprising facts (like how much meditation and simply getting outside for a walk help).

Tenth of December: Stories: George Saunders — Brilliant and mesmerizing collection of short stories. I’d give more than one appendage to write this well.

Bared Blade (A Fallen Blade Novel): Kelly McCullough — Part two in the continuing adventurers of Aral. This book is even better than the first of the series. In this round, Aral (and the rest of the books world) is on the hunt of a sacred ring that, if not found, could start a great war. Of course, this means that some would rather it not found. Lots of nice twists and turns. And, you can really feel the fun that Kelly is having writing these. Strongly recommended.

Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind: Jocelyn K. Glei, Scott Belsky — A nice roundup of various essayists on the subject of day/space/energy management for creatives. Some good nuggets here and there within a lot of ‘heard this before but could use a reminder’.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane: A Novel: Neil Gaiman — It’s been a long time since I read a book so wonderful and sublime that I could not put it down, eschewed all other matters, and finished it in a day. This is just that good. Actually, it is better.

Crossed Blades (A Fallen Blade Novel): Kelly McCullough — Another excellent entry in the series.

The Monk and the Riddle: The Art of Creating a Life While Making a Living: Randy Komisar — Best book I have read in a while. Finished in only a couple of sittings. Couldn’t put it down. Really resonated.

The Art Of Not Sucking: Hugh MacLeod — Another nice ass kicker and reality bringer from Hugh.

A Drive into the Gap by Kevin Guilfoile — A sweet true story about the author’s father suffering from Alzheimer’s and the mystery behind a historic Roberto Clemente bat. A real win for baseball fans especially.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (the pseudonym under which J.K. Rowling wrote the book) — One of the finest whodunits I have ever read. She has an amazing ability to sketch character’s quickly and confidence in her subject matter that you might swear she has written a hundred of these before. In fact, I would argue that the writing here is stronger than many of her Harry Potter books. Highly recommended.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman, with Illustrations by Skottie Young — I read this to Beatrix and it is really wonderful. A fun story about a Dad who goes out to get a jug of milk and what happens to him along the way (or, at least, what he tells his kids). Not sure which of us loved it more. Not only a great read to a young kid but I’ve heard tell that the slightly older ones really enjoy it as well.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King — I actually read this once, but then had to go back through and read it again — mainly because I failed to highlight and furiously mark up the margins as I should have done the first time around. Easily in my top five books on writing. Certainly my favorite Stephen King book. This should be required reading for anyone interested in the craft.

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink — Harrowing and angering account of what happened at Memorial Hospital (refered to by we NOLA folks as "Baptist") in the days following Hurricane Katrina. I have not yet finished this completely but not sure how much longer I can continue. It is so hard and heartbreaking to read.

Freedom Is Blogging in Your Underwear: Hugh MacLeod: 9781591844853: Amazon.com: Books — Yep… Seriously, Hugh is great and I try to read all of his stuff. This one is no exception. It is about doing what you love unapologetically and facing the fear that keeps you down.

137 Books in One Year: How to Fall in Love With Reading: Kevin D. Hendricks: 9781482005097: Amazon.com: Books — though I hardly reached this lofty goal there are some good, practical tips in here about getting more books under your belt. The main takeaway: Replace your smartphone with a good book.

Delight is in the Details — By Shawn Blanc — A manifesto on creative work by Mr. Blanc. A great read for any artist about the craft of creation.

Coffee Shop Contemplations eBook by Nick Wynja — Nice collection of essays from Nick’s website. Worth a read. Plus, an examples other online writers should follow (Take your best stuff and sell it to me as a book. I’ll buy it. Others will too.).

MacSparky Field Guides — To call these mere books is to not do them full justice. These are multimedia experiences that are well worth the cost. They use the full power of Apple’s iBook technology to show off just what a modern book reading experience can be in the digital age. I read every one released this year and they are all fantastic.

Kindness

Kindness. It is amazingly simple to practice. It avoids so much suffering. Yet I’ve seen so little of it as of late. Especially surprising given the season.

If Justine Sacco had practiced kindness, would she have been more mindful of how hurtful her words may be? If those who read those words had practiced kindness in their response, would she have lost her job or had the opportunity to learn and, thus, be even better at it?

If those on the Angry Mac Bastards podcast had practiced kindness in their constructive criticism of Aaron Vegh’s webpage, would he have had the opportunity to make it better? If the response from Aaron and others who took umbrage would have been that of kindness, would there have been opportunity for all to understand a way to communicate disagreements better?

These are just two recent and raw examples of cases where I really think that kindness and compassion displayed by either side would have helped. Instead, we have people who have lost their jobs or felt forced to shutter something they enjoyed. And, the hurt feelings, anger, and feeling of having been attacked remain on all sides.

And, here’s a little secret I’m going to tell you — kindness in the face of an adversary immediately gives you, the kind practitioner, the upper hand. It often throws those gripped by anger off balance. It often diffuses the tension. It puts one in a position of power to effect positive change. And, even if it fails to do any of those things, it garners the support of those viewing from the outside. Who can fault the person who tried to bring kindness, compassion, and understanding into a bad situation? Who can fault the person who stands with peace in opposition to aggression? Who really has the moral power and respect of others — one who takes up arms against another or one who lays theirs down in response?

I would argue that it is my practice of kindness in such situations that gives me the most power. So, instead of being disheartened by the lack of it I have witnessed lately, I’m encouraged to practice kindness even more. I invite you to do the same.

Journal Day

Yesterday, in conversation with a close friend about the nature of holidays and our relationships to them, we decided to create one of our own.

Journal Day.

lt will fall on December 9th each year. The idea is to celebrate the practice of journaling.

There are many ways to celebrate or traditions one could keep to mark the day. For instance, this might be the day to take out previous journals and reflect on where you were then versus where you are today. Another tradition may be to let someone you trust read one you have kept and get to know the “real” you. Perhaps gift one to another person in your life who practices or you feel could benefit from doing so. Or, maybe, be so bold as to spend a year keeping a journal for someone else in your life whom you love and spend your days with — write down their day as you saw it or the things you were thinking about them at that time. How wonderful a gift would it be to allow someone close to "see" themselves and their year through your eyes?

I think you get the general idea. I would love to see others expand upon it. Let’s make a deal: On or before next December 9th shoot me a note and let me know how you are celebrating Journal Day. I’d love the opportunity to consider making your Journal Day tradition one of mine.

Items Of Interest #11

Further accounting of my travels through the vast ether. Reporting things of wonder you must see with your own eyes to truly be believed… Or something like that…

My friend Mike Rohde is celebrating the one year anniversary of the publication of his excellent Sketchnote Handbook with a giveaway of a whole bunch of stuff (including my book, enough).

Speaking of books, if you are a lover of libraries, bookshelves, and other things of a bookish nature, this borders on pornography.

Of course, you will need some light to read all of those books with. Why not use a portable, stylish, take-anywhere lamp that unfolds like a book.

While not a full book, an unreleased collection of J.D. Salinger short stories, including An Ocean Full Of Bowling Balls, which is obliquely related to The Catcher In The Rye, was recently leaked. As a huge Salinger fan, and one who is respectful of the late author’s wishes for privacy and secrecy, I will neither confirm nor deny that I immediately downloaded it from one of the many outlets it is now easily found. But I will tell you that Ocean is a very satisfying nugget of Caufield wonder.

Kindling Quarterly is a literary journal that explores fatherhood. I have recently discovered a love for such journals. I have read severaI. This one is very high on my Christmas wish list.

Finally, a reminder: You have now. It’s all you’ll ever have.

Things I Love: Patagonia

I have long admired Patagonia as a company. The film above perfectly encapsulates many of the reasons why. Even though I only own a few of their products, I appreciate their commitment to quality, long lasting products, and their understanding of their impact on the environment. In fact, they heavily promote the idea, through the Common Threads Partnership, that their products are best purchased used in good condition — since they are made to last a long time.

I was able to acquire a vintage (1980′s era?) Patagonia down vest in very good condition at a clothing exchange that was part of an re-use fair we attended earlier this year. It has become my go-to outer layer this chilly fall season. I’ve become quite enamored with it and wear it almost daily. It’s well made, rather warm, and looks good tossed over a mid-weight fleece. Putting it on knowing it got years of good use by someone else before me and that I’m part of its working life makes it all the more special to me. I’m sure it will serve me well for many years to come.

I also recently purchased some Patagonia Nomader Pants for travel and, while I have only worn them a couple of times, they appear to hold similar promise (though they appear to be currently unavailable).

All of this is to say that Patagonia, and the products they make, are well worth your consideration. But, if it suits you, check for used items first. Conveniently, they make it easy for you.

Things I Love: Pendleton Wool Shirts

The Season Of Stuff draws near. Far be it from me to discourage you from participating. After all, I will both give and receive plenty of stuff just like everyone else. It’s just that, if you are going to be giving stuff anyway, why not give something that will last a lifetime, always be in style, and be easily passed on for years more use?

That’s why I love the three I own. They are dependable, sturdy, and warm. Of these, two are vintage and were purchased used — yet they look brand new. That is because these things were built to last. Here in Minnesota, where the value of a time-tested wool shirt in winter is not lost, you can find them easily and inexpensively in just about any thrift or vintage store — still as stylish and often in as good of shape as the day they were new. In fact, I recommend buying them used as it is better for the planet and this is a rare case where the quality is so consistent that the difference between use and new is negligible. But, even brand new, it is an investment well made. They make a great gift that anyone could, if properly maintained and treasured, provide a lifetime of purpose.

In fact, everything Pendleton makes is outstanding. I have a sweater from them as well and it fits all of the criteria mentioned above.

Random Notes and Recent Thoughts #2

I’m suffering from a horrible cold virus. My third or fourth in as many weeks (I’ve lost count). My thinking, during such times, is both hazy and exausting. Therefore, please accept some of these brief and imperfect ideas that warrant more expounding than I have the energy for right now.

We all write our own eulogies. We write them with the way we live in each moment. By our acts of kindness or the things we do that delight others. Those things that make an impression on those closest to us. For, if we were to pass tomorrow, it is these things they will stand in front of others to share and remember.

Those that claim to have no choice always do. What they don’t have is a choice they want. And those that are doing something they don’t want because they feel they have no choice have, in fact, chosen.

There is no such thing as good debt. No matter how many financial advisors will tell you otherwise. I wish I had learned this before the age of 35. For instance, believing that a mortgage that was less than the value of the home was an investment — "good debt". Or, that a student loan is somehow good debt because it sets you up for the possibility of higher pay or a better career (when the first 10-20 years of said job is spent paying back that debt). Does no one do the math and figure out the only ones making money from this equation are the people that write the paychecks and the people who service the debt? I think if the past several years have revealed anything it is this fundemental fact and the lies that prop it up.

On every task list should exist the following: One thing that makes your life better. One thing that makes the life of someone else better.

The more complex your tool, the more likely it is to fail you in some way eventually. And, said failure likelihood will scale in parallel to the added complexity. And, because one’s expectations for said tool also scale in the same parallel, the disappointment from the failure is compounded.

People who love what they do for a living don’t ever dream of retirement — early or otherwise. Why wait to start the life you want when you can build it now? And, those that call bullshit on this are either a) happy and don’t want others to be so they can feel even more superior or b) as unhappy as the rest and looking for people to share in their sorrow. The truth is that you build the life you wish to have by the choices you make and, if you build a life that makes you happy, you can do it until you die.

This guy gets up and does the work he loves every morning. So, your excuses are invalid.

Items Of Interest #10

I really like the looks of the new Doxie Flip scanner. My friend Mike Rohde posted a great review and video of it in action. That said, I’ve been using TurboScan for iPhone for a couple of years now to use the camera for essentially the same thing for a couple of years now. It’s not the prettiest app out there but it works really well and gets the job done.

With the recent end of the Enough Podcast, it was really nice of Robert Wall of Untitled Minimalism to put together an archive and torrent of all 225 episodes and make it publicly available. I’m seeding it as are many others. Grab it and listen to any you have missed

Designer and consultant Josh Gross exploring a really interesting idea he’s calling One Hour: "I’m making myself available for consulting one hour at a time, starting at $1. Each time someone purchases an hour, the price goes up $1."

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith, the pseudonym under which J.K. Rowling wrote the book, is one of the finest whodunits I have ever read. I was engaged and locked in pretty much as soon as I started it. She has an amazing ability to sketch character’s quickly and such confidence in her subject matter that you might swear she has written a hundred of these before. In fact, I would argue that the writing here is stronger than many of her Harry Potter books. Highly recommended.

Speaking of books, I’m really excited for Kevin Kelly’s Catalog of Possibilities: Cool Tools. As a fellow fan of the late, great, Whole Earth Catalog and a long time reader of his Cool Tools site, I can’t imagine not having such a valuable resource in my arsenal.

C.J. Chilvers reminds us of the many reasons why paper still matters. My favorite: "The benefits of holding your work in your hand is a pleasure digital workers are too often deprived of."

Mike Vardy reminds us of how much we can get done in only 7 minutes. Try sitting and doing absolutely nothing for even 5 minutes and see how long it feels when you are not regularly accustomed to doing so. I think we would all do a bit better if we had a better sense of the passage of time and the ways we can choose to fill it.

Finally, I really, really, enjoyed this piece by Jack Cheng on living for a time in a yurt and the insight it gives on the many lives we live.

Ten Years

Today marks the ten year anniversary of this site. The very first post in the archives is from November 7, 2003. Not sure that I have anything remarkable to reflect on this occasion other than to say that success for a writer is most often measured in years. I plan to be making a similar post ten years from now marking the 20th.

I want to thank anyone and everyone who has visited the work I do here. For a writer, to know that even one person reads and enjoys ones work is a gift. Several, are a blessing. And, the fact that many have reached out over the years to say that something I wrote touched them in a way that made real positive change is, well, a miracle to me. I’m humbled by it each and every time it happens.

As I scanned through the archives, here are just a few posts that jumped out at me — with a particular focus on ones that might not be as well known…

On a steel horse I ride… — Where I reveal my not-to-secret love of 80′s arena rock and hair bands. Especially, Bon Jovi.

Taking Note — Where you can see the firs beginnings of what became the Dash/Plus System.

She Said “Yes”!!! — The short and long story of my proposal to Bethany.

Analog RSS — I had forgotten that I actually created a Instapaper like system but for actual paper magazines. I might have to revive this practice.

Value — In 2008 I broke the hard fact to you that money has no value. It is a construct for the determination of worth based on trust and mutual agreement.

Thoughts on “The Pleasures of Uninterrupted Communication” (and managing expectations) — Some thoughts on email overload and how to manage it at work (and elsewhere) by setting proper expectations.

Eat Well — Change your food, change your life.

This is not a year end post… — Don’t focus on the things you hope to do or the things you have done. Instead, focus on what you can do today — right now — to make your life a little bit better. Do this enough and it adds up to real change.

Permanently Impermanent — A reminder that all of this will one day disappear. And that is by design.

It’s always about the princess… — In my house at least.

Clean Kitchen — A lesson about productivity and procrastination gleaned through the lens of my Great Grandmother’s perpetually clean kitchen.

Other Side Of The Lens — A reminder from this family photographer to the rest to turn the camera around every once and awhile (and, yes, selfies count).

Items Of Interest #9

Lots Of Great Videos Edition

Further linkage and commentary of things that have crossed my path that are worth sharing. This one is a whole bunch of videos that I thought were worth the time…

The Invisible Bicycle Helmet | Fredrik Gertten from Focus Forward Films on Vimeo.

My friend Desarae pointed me to this really well done video or two design students from Sweden, Anna and Terese, who have created an invisible bike helmet. I won’t spoil how it works but I really think this could be a game changer in it’s space.

The Encounter Collection from Process Creative on Vimeo.

My friends Michael Schechter, by way of our mutual friend Brett Kelly, pointed me to this video narrative of a father passing down words of wisdom to his young son. If you have been following here for any length of time you should understand why this appeals deeply to me.

Salomon Running TV – Season 3 Trailer from The African Attachment on Vimeo.

My friend Brian Van Peski points us to the trailer for Salomon Running TV — Season 3. As he said, “Love running or just great filmmaking? Check out Solomon’s trail running series on YouTube and find yourself some inspiration to get into the woods.”. Indeed.

Justin Boyd: Sound and Time from Walley Films on Vimeo.

And, I absolutely loved this video of Justin Boyd, educator and artist, about how he channeled a childhood sensitivity to sound into a passion for creating with it. A reminder that there is music all around us. If only we stopped long enough to listen to it.

I hope you enjoy them all.